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The Layalina Review

VOL. V NO. 1, January 02-January 15, 2009

Great Strides in Arab Media

The Arab League awarded Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Vice-president and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the title of the First Patron of the Arab Media, reports AME Info. The announcement came at the concluding ceremony of the 4th Forum of Arab Producers held at the Arab League headquarters in Cairo in recognition of the efforts of Sheikh Mohammed in promoting the visual and print media as effective instruments of social development in the Arab world.

According to Gulf News, it is the first time that an Arab leader has been awarded this title. The award reflects "The great appreciation the people of the media …[for the]…support Sheikh Mohammed has extended for media enabling them to play vital roles in social, scientific, cultural, economic and political development in the Arab world." A source at the Arab League explained that this award reflects the civilized face of the UAE, "specifically its respect for and commitment to culture, education and art."

In related news, Al-Sumaria TV, the Iraqi satellite channel, also received a media trophy from the 'Arab Producers Union', reports AME Info. Chafic Elias Tabet, the CEO of the TV station, expressed his joy at the award, emphasizing that it is an honor for every employee at the station, which was established in September 2004.

Tabet added that Al-Sumaria TV is a forum for the Iraqi people, chosen especially for its credibility and objectivity in its news and programs "without looking into religious, political or ethnic affiliations, which gained the respect of all the Iraqis." The TV station also promotes democracy and freedom within the context of a unified Iraq.